Experts Urge Holiday Shoppers to Stay Vigilant Against H1N1

Health officials are warning the holidays could trigger a third wave of H1N1.

Friday, December 4th 2009, 9:30 pm

By: News 9


By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Health officials are warning the holidays could trigger a third wave of H1N1.

The first wave of H1N1 was last Spring. The second was this fall. Now, flu experts are urging Oklahomans to stay vigilant to avoid another flare up of the virus.

The holidays are meant to be merry, but for many shoppers this year, it might not be if they pick up flu germs.

"I'm always constantly thinking about, did that person wash their hands before they touched it?" said shopper Jessica Studwell.

In crowded places, every hard surface may harbor the H1N1 virus, and germs can linger up to eight hours.

"The droplets from a cough or a sneeze can travel three feet through the air. The virus is in those droplets, and when those droplets land on any surface, that surface is contaminated," said Vicki Monks, H1N1 information specialist.

Expert said cash carries the most contamination. Retailers and shoppers exchanging money are at risk.

Experts said to help stop the spread of germs this holiday season, cough into your sleeve, wash your hands, carry alcohol-based sanitizer, and use your own pen when signing your name at the mall.

"The pens that are available at the counters may have been touched by 30, 40, 50. Who knows how many people before you came along," Monks said.

Health officials fear a third wave of the virus may be more severe after holiday shopping because that's when the seasonal flu usually hits.

Monks said there's no way to totally avoid exposure, and the most effective way to protect yourself and those around you is to get the vaccine.

The next H1N1 flu clinic is on Saturday at Putnam City High School from 10am to 3pm.

More on News9.com: Health Department Announces More H1N1 Public Clinics

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